The University of Leicester

• The University of Leicester is a research-led university based in Leicester, England. The main campus is south of the city centre, adjacent to Victoria park, a popular place that is enjoyed by residents. The university has established itself as a leading provider of great teaching and research.

 

Background and History

Originally founded as Leicestershire and Rutland University College in 1921, the university was granted its royal charter in 1957. Since then the university has been awarding degrees to students and providing great teaching and research.

Location and Accessibility

Conveniently accessible from most of the country, the city is well served by public transport links. There are direct rail services to all parts of the country, and the city is well served by the M1 and M69 motorways.

Car: The University's postcode is LE1 7RH. All campus access is via University Road.

NB: There is no visitor parking available on campus.

Bus: Leicester is served by a wide range of coach services, mostly operated by National Express. In addition, there are direct coach links to Leicester from cities which do not have direct rail links, such as Manchester and Coventry. A coach from Leicester to London takes about three hours. National Express coaches stop at St Margaret's Bus Station, on the other side of the city from the University. The no.48 bus, operated by Arriva, leaves every 15 minutes and takes about ten minutes to reach the University.

Train: Leicester is just 69 minutes direct from London by train. Leicester Railway Station is within walking distance of the University (15 minutes).

What's on Offer

Renowned for teaching excellence, the university offers its contingent of students a large range of academic courses. Types of qualification offered at Undergraduate level include BA, BSc, BEng, LLB and qualifications at The Leicester Medical school. Postgraduate courses include: MA, MSc, MBA, MEng, PG Dip Entry.

Entry Requirements

The university typically makes prospective undergraduates offers ranging from BBB - AAB at A level, with a few exceptions (i.e. AAA Medicine, Law).

University Accommodation

The university guarantees accommodation for first-years. However, costs will vary significantly depending on the package chosen. Rooms vary from basic to top-of-the-range en-suites, and prices vary accordingly.  

Private Accommodation

The University's Students' Union provides support for students seeking privately rented accommodation through SULETSa lettings agency jointly owned and run with the city's other major university, De Montfort University.

Faculties and Departments

The University of Leicester is home to two prestigious national Centres for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (in Genetics and Geographical Information Science) and plays an important role in a third (Physics). The university has a great reputation across all of its academic departments and is made up of four main faculties: the College of Arts, Humanities and Law, the College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology, the College of Science and Engineering and the College of Social Science.  

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees vary depending on the course of study and whether you wish to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. Fees for international students are also likely to be higher than those for UK/EU students. For further information it is advisable to contact the university directly or visit their website.  

Financial Support

For detailed financial information and to see whether you may be eligible for support throughout your degree, please visit the university's website.

Academic Facilities

The University of Leicester has an award-winning library with group study rooms, wireless connectivity and subject librarians. The new David Wilson Library is open 24 hours from 9.00am Sunday until midnight Friday. Along with 24hr access, there is also a bookshop and a cafe.  

Other on-site Amenities

The university invested more than £10m in its sports facilities at Manor Road (the student village) and into the main campus. Students can also enjoy the use of two swimming pools, a huge new gym, steam rooms and a sauna.  

Social and Medical Care

The Percy Gee student union building provides great facilities for students and societies, as well as an impressive new music venue in the O2 Academy Leicester. More information can be found on the university's website.  

What's on in the Area

Leicester is home to a rich history and heritage, including its exciting connections to King Richard III, cosmopolitan city life, cultures and traditions and a sporting vibe (Leicester Tigers RFC).This is a great place to study as it isn't too large a city but still has lots of interesting things to discover.

Moving On

Graduates are well placed to embark on whatever career they desire upon graduation from the University of Leicester.

Leicester was ranked joint first in the 2005, 2006 and 2007 National Student Survey for overall student satisfaction amongst mainstream universities in England. It was second only to Cambridge in 2008 and again joint first in 2009. Leicester is an inclusive university and it actively recruits students from state schools and lower socio-economic groups.

Is Leicester the place for you?

Leicester prides itself on the phrase Elite without being Elitist, enjoying the fact that it is not trying to be pretentious in its set-up. If you would like to study in a vibrant city, in a down-to-earth environment, maybe Leicester is the place for you.